“Arrogant know-it-alls stir up discord, but wise men and women listen to each other’s counsel.” Proverbs 13:10 MSG
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m pretty independent. From a young age, I’ve been strong-willed, tenacious, and autonomous in my thought process and my actions. It’s not a surprise to many that I don’t particularly like being told what to do. (God bless my mother, y’all!)
The book of Proverbs is known as the book of wisdom. Solomon had the opportunity to ask God for anything and Solomon requested wisdom, which the Lord gave him in abundance (1 Kings 3:1-15). God’s Word is often countercultural to the standard of the world. With common beliefs like “me against the world” or “all I need is me, myself, and I” we rob ourselves of the richness of life God wants to offer us. Being in community is God’s design for Kingdom work and living. Going it alone is actually counter to the will of God.
When Solomon wrote Proverbs, he provided each of us with instructions on how to maximize our earthly lives. One clear way is to ensure we are both seeking and applying the advice of wise counsel. Because God often uses people to convey His will, we need to have wise people in our lives who can help us understand and navigate life situations.
Reflection
Am I living a life with community or a life of isolation? Whose wise counsel can I seek? What prevents me from building meaningful relationships with others? How can I identify wise counsel for my life?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for the gift of wisdom. Forgive me for not seeking the advice of the wise people around me. Help me to build relationships that will mold me and push me to be who You created me to be. Grant me discernment on who to keep close. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash
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